Find Lawrence County Bench Warrants

Lawrence County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Moulton keeps all bench warrant records for this rural county. Lawrence County was established in 1818, one year before Alabama became a state. The county includes Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness area.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Lawrence County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. Judges issue bench warrants from the bench. They do this when someone fails to appear in court. Missing a court date is the most common reason. Not paying fines or breaking probation rules can also lead to a bench warrant.

Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime that someone may have done. Police need evidence and probable cause. A bench warrant is for not following rules in an existing case. No new evidence is needed. The judge issues it because you did not do what the court told you to do.

In Lawrence County, the Circuit Court handles felony cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both courts can issue bench warrants. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, these warrants direct law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them to court.

Felony bench warrants in Lawrence County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits. But courts often renew them. Do not assume a warrant went away on its own.

Lawrence County History and Courts

Lawrence County was established in 1818. This was before Alabama became a state in 1819. It is one of the oldest counties in Alabama. The county was named after Captain James Lawrence, a Navy hero from the War of 1812.

The courthouse in Moulton has served the county for many years. Court records go back a long time. If you have an old case with a bench warrant, the records still exist. The Circuit Clerk keeps all historical and current court files.

Bankhead National Forest covers much of Lawrence County. The Sipsey Wilderness is a popular hiking area. Visitors should know that a bench warrant from any Alabama county can be enforced anywhere in the state. Law enforcement in Lawrence County works with state and federal agencies on forest lands.

Lawrence County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Lawrence County. This includes bench warrants, case files, judgments, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies of documents. The clerk office is your first stop for court record requests.

The courthouse is on Market Street in downtown Moulton. Parking is free nearby. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about what you need.

Lawrence County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. They execute bench warrants when they find the named person. You can call the Sheriff to ask if a warrant exists. Many people call before turning themselves in to know what to expect.

Lawrence County is a rural county. The Sheriff's office handles law enforcement outside city limits. They work with local police in Moulton, Town Creek, and other towns. If you have a bench warrant, any law enforcement officer in the county can arrest you.

How to Search Lawrence County Bench Warrants

Lawrence County does not have an online warrant search. You need to call or visit in person to check for bench warrants. Here are your options.

Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 974-9291 to check for active warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready. This is free and usually quick.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 974-2438 to search court records. The clerk can check for any bench warrants in the system. Staff may ask you to visit in person for detailed requests.

Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. This is the state court system. A name search costs $9.99. Results show case details and any bench warrants issued.

Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at 14451 Market Street in Moulton. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, most bench warrant records are public. Anyone can request to view them. Some juvenile and sealed records are not public.

How to Clear a Lawrence County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not go away on its own. You must take action. The longer you wait, the more problems it causes. Police can arrest you during traffic stops or at home. Clear your warrant now to avoid bigger issues.

The best option is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They may negotiate with the court to help you avoid jail. A lawyer can also appear on your behalf in some cases.

You can turn yourself in at the Lawrence County Jail or courthouse. Go during business hours with your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide about bail. You may be able to post bond right away or may need to wait in jail.

If your warrant is for unpaid fines, be ready to discuss payment. Courts work with people who cannot pay everything at once. Ask about a payment plan. Judges look more kindly on people who show up and try to make things right.

Bench warrants appear on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. An active warrant can cost you a job or apartment. Take care of it as soon as you can.

Lawrence County Bench Warrant Fees

Various fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Lawrence County. Some searches are free. Others have costs.

• Sheriff phone check: Free
• Alacourt name search: $9.99
• Document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
• Regular copies: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up

If your bench warrant is tied to unpaid fines or costs, you will owe those amounts. The court may add fees for the warrant itself. Ask the clerk for a complete total before you appear so there are no surprises.

Alabama State Court Resources

These state resources can help with Lawrence County bench warrant matters.

Alacourt Portal: The main court portal at alacourt.gov has forms and court information.

Alabama eForms: Download court forms for free at eforms.alacourt.gov.

AlaPay: Pay court fines online at alapay.com. You need your case number.

ALEA Background Check: Get your own criminal history from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for $25. Visit ALEA Criminal Records.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. The Huntsville office serves northwest Alabama at (256) 536-9645.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lawrence County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before you try to clear it.